FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)Flight Instruments and SystemsMedium
A pilot consults the compass correction card mounted in the cockpit, which lists: 'For Magnetic Heading 270°, Steer Compass Heading 266°.' The pilot wants to fly a magnetic heading of 270°. What compass heading should the pilot steer?
- A270°
- B274°
- C264°
- D266°
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 266°
The compass correction card directly indicates the compass heading to steer in order to achieve the desired magnetic heading; per the card, to fly a magnetic heading of 270°, the pilot must steer a compass heading of 266°.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 270° is the desired magnetic heading, not the compass heading to steer per the deviation card.
- B. 274° reverses the direction of the correction; the card specifies steering less, not more.
- C. 264° applies an incorrect additional correction not indicated by the card.
Compass Correction Card
A card mounted near the magnetic compass listing the compass heading to steer in order to achieve specific magnetic headings, compensating for deviation caused by onboard magnetic influences.
- Deviation varies by heading due to aircraft electrical/magnetic equipment
- Card typically lists values every 30° or 45°
- Must be updated periodically via compass swing
Memory trick: The card tells you exactly what to 'steer,' just read it directly.